MARY CATHERINE FRANKE

After all these years it becomes even more apparent how important the AFS work was and still is. Mary Franke´s engagemant for peace in this world lives on through all the students she hosted in her school. Chiara, Elena and Lars

I read about Mary's passing in the current issue of the March issue of the "The Pulse," the California Retired Teacher's Association. I had not taught since hen we became kindred spirits for the five years I lived in Bishop and wrote "The Best is Yet to Be' for the Inyo Register. She had approached me to edit her biography but after the first reading it was obvious that no one could speak for her.

I had to move to Anaconda, Montana for family reasons in 2012 and her busy life went...

I am just stumbling across this news today and I am deeply saddened by the news of Mary's passing. I knew her as Mrs. Franke --- my 9th grade English teacher at Mulholland Jr. High School in Van Nuys, CA. She inspired me, she encouraged me and she befriended me. I was lucky enough to visit her in Bishop and introduce her to my children and husband. She was still the same, kind, gracious woman I remembered. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

We met Mary in 2013 and loved her immediately. She became a dear friend. We visited her a couple of times each week and we always left with a smile on our faces. She became a dear friend and we felt that whe'd known her for ever. When we moved back to utah we felt sad to realize that we'd have to say goodbye to Mary. She always made lemonade out of the lemons life handed her. Maybe that's why my lemon cookies were her favorite. So sad That you are gone from here but so happy to know you...

As a nephew of Mary Franke, it is very comforting to read the condolences posted here. I visited Uncle Lou & Aunt Mary in Bishop on several occasions. And, I will visit Wonderful Bishop, CA again for the Memorial on April 9. Lou & Mary were very dear to so many people in many locations. While it's sad for all of us to know that she no longer lives in Bishop, it's true that The Lord received one of his Angels home! And, you can bet Uncle Lou is there to meet her.

To meet Mary Franke during my high school year in Bishop/California 31 years ago was an experience that will stay with me. She was one of the driving forces of the AFS Programm in Bishop at that time. She probably assisted in several hundred exchange experiences over the decades.
She was very approachable and helpful to all these foreigners coming to Bishop to learn about the United States and thus helped to make this world a better place.

Last year I had the privelige to introduce...

Mary Franke lived her life well. She had strong convictions which informed how she conducted herself and how she related to others--always with generosity and compassion. She taught us all, with inspiration!

Nantawan and Jonathan McLeod
San Diego, California

Mary was a friend for over thirty years, and it's so sad to lose her. We met through the AFS student exchange program and stayed connected. Lou was also a friend, someone I hung around with at the Chevron station on Main Street. When Mary and Lou retired and started taking trips in their gigantic motor home, Mary confided that she was worried that if an accident occurred she wouldn't be able to drive for help in the small car they towed as she didn't know how to drive a stick shift. So,...